Page 77 of Educated By the Earl (Second Sons of London 1)

Chapter Twenty-One

As Spencer’s stronghands clasped Tessa about her waist, she felt a warm surge ripple through her. He placed her upon the phaeton’s seat and joined her there, taking up the reins. He flicked his wrists and the horses came to life, starting up. He maneuvered them so that they faced the opposite direction and they returned the way they had come, back toward Tattersalls and then London itself.

So many feelings filled her. Feelings for the man beside her and for what he had done to and for her. She hadn’t dreamed she could feel the way she did as he had touched her so intimately.

“Will it all be so wonderful?” she asked.

Spencer looked down at her and Tessa saw love for her shining in his eyes. Had it always been there and she had missed seeing it or, like her, had Spencer just discovered the depth of his feelings when they had kissed?

“It will only get better,” he promised. “You got but a small taste today of what physical love can be,” he said. “The fact that we add emotional love to the mix will make the physical ties between us grow even stronger over time.”

“How do you know this?” she asked. And then hesitantly added, “Have you ever been in love before?”

“Never,” he assured her. “And I never thought I would be in love. That I would find something so ethereal.

“Until I found you.”

A glow filled her, spreading throughout her until it reached even the tips of her fingers and toes.

He continued, “You have much to learn about lovemaking, Tessa. Kissing is a huge part of it.”

“Well, I certainly enjoy kissing. Especially kissing you,” she added, laughing. “I have never kissed any man before you and now I know I never will.” She placed her hand on his arm. “I mean that, Spencer. The depth of my feelings for you already surprises me. But my heart tells me it will only grow over time.”

She saw the gleam in his eyes as he said, “I have only begun to kiss you, Tessa. I have only kissed you a few places. I plan to kiss you everywhere.” He paused, his gaze intense. “And I do mean everywhere.”

She felt her cheeks reddening, thinking of places she would like him to kiss. To touch.

“I plan to educate you thoroughly,” he explained. “I will kiss your eyelids. Your elbows. Your belly, where you will carry our babes. I will kiss you gently. With fervor. With more passion than you can imagine now—but you will know what I speak of soon.”

He waggled his eyebrows and added, “And I plan to taste you everywhere.”

“Everywhere?” she squeaked, her thoughts turning wicked.

“Everywhere,” he said resolutely. “Kissing will be a huge part of our lives. It may even take up a majority of our days.”

Her cheeks now burned but she boldly asked, “Will I be able to also kiss you everywhere?”

Spencer laughed rich and hearty, a sound she enjoyed hearing now and knew she would love to grow to love over the years.

“You are inquisitive. I’ll give you that,” he said. “And if your curiosity extends to my naked body, then you may have at it, my love. Through exploration, we will each find what pleases the other. Just like today when I discovered a few things that please you.”

Tessa grew hot all over, thinking of his fingers inside her, moving, stroking, pleasuring her. “I am eager for you to educate me, my earl,” she told him flirtatiously, and slipped her arm possessively through his.

They drove the remainder of the way to Mayfair in silence, happiness blanketing her. When they arrived at the Uxbridge townhouse, she told him, “You must come inside. We must tell Adalyn and my aunt and uncle of our betrothal.”

“You don’t think they will believe it to be too soon?’ he asked, suddenly lacking in confidence, which touched her.

“They will be thrilled for us,” she assured him. “All they and my parents ever wanted for me was to find happiness with a good man. I have done so with you, Spencer. I cannot imagine any man who could make me as deliriously happy as you have.”

“I feel the same way about you, Tessa,” he said solemnly. “You are my present and my future. If you are ready, let us go share our good news.”

She had him drive the phaeton back to his townhouse and leave it there. Together, they crossed the square to her uncle’s townhouse and were greeted by Rainey.

“Where are Lord and Lady Uxbridge?” she asked the butler.

“Lord Uxbridge is in his study, my lady, while Lady Uxbridge and Lady Adalyn are in their bedchambers.”

“Thank you,” she said, looking to Spencer. “Why don’t you go find Uncle Uxbridge and tell him we need to speak with him? Bring him to the library if you would.”

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